how do i replace my front coil springs..79 cutlass

[dan2286]

Are you sure the shocks aren't bad?

 

[axisg]

typically the shop I buy my springs from has a press. They compress the spring for me and put 4x 3/4" steel straps. Pop the old springs out, put the new ones in, jack up the LCA until the spring compresses and cut the straps.

Re" the poster with the vids, that's some great work and a great teaching aid. Although you scared the crap outta me working on the car and climbing underneath trying to get the spring out while it's sitting on 4 jackstands. I have seen cars slip off before.

 

[chicago2tacoma]

No I'm not sure if its da shocks ....how do I tell if its da shocks or springs...

 

[beermonkey9417]

shocks are a tube, springs are the coil things.
the best spring compressor i ever used was for coilover springs. it has 2 compressors, one for each side of the spring. thats the best imo. ask for a spring compressor for a honda civic or 94 saturn sl2 :lol:

 

[chicago2tacoma]

Do I have to replace any bushings when I replace the front springs.??

 

[beermonkey9417]

its a good idea.

 

[chicago2tacoma]

Is it true I have to take them to a shop to have the bushings pressed in???

 

[JBreu]

I would try and change the shocks first and see if that's the problem...........If your really worried about changing the springs yourself---------Have a shop do it for you.That is pricy though I think around 200.00 or so........ Once you do change the front springs, It will sit a bit higher.................while your at it, change the rears too

 

[84cutlass383]

i just changed my first pair of springs yesterday and my front end sits a little high, will they settle if so how long?

 

[Pontiac455]

Pretty simple job when done this way. Jack the front of the car up as high as u can and let down on set of jack stands, make sure it is safe before getting under. U don['t need a spring compressor nor do u need a fork. Leave the ball joints 2gether. What u will ned will be 2 swaybar links a set of front shocks and the obvious front coils. Start by removing the front links, next the shocks. Then position the jack under the control arm remove the 2 bolts on the inner part of the control arm. Lower the jack slowly until the tension is off the spring. Take the old one out and install the new one making sure the top isolator rubber and spring are in the proper position. Line up the pigtail with the bottom control arm and start jacking up the arm. Its better if u have another person operating the jack while u gide the arm back into place. Jam the bolts back in install the shock and link and yer ready to do the other side. Leave the tires on so u can grab them if u have to move the arm.